Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Description

The peaceful Rietvlei Nature Reserve is home to a variety of animals on the outskirts of Pretoria, Gauteng. Guided tours are offered daily and horse-riding is available on weekends. There is also a venue for functions.

Rietvlei dam was built during the Great Depression (1929 – 1930) and was completed in 1934. Manual workers were paid 4 shillings a month and soil was taken away in mule carts. The dam was originally not open to the public, but a number of game species were introduced into the reserve, from rhino to cheetah.

Rietvlei is fantastic for various water sports. Fishing is permitted on the northern and western shores, and a yacht club stands on the north-western shore. Motor boats are not allowed on the dam. As the reserve is made up of different habitats, such as grassland and wetlands, it has superb bird watching opportunities. Bird hides, toilets, and braai areas are available.